NYC’s Task 86 / 87: New Gas Legislation Affects Brooklyn Homeowners

Have you considered what NYC’s new Task 86 / 87 gas legislation means for Brooklyn homeowners? Task 86 / 87 is a gas safety legislation. Originally intended to be effective on January 2019, the Public Service Commission delayed the legislation’s effective date until April 2019. Task 86 / 87 seeks to promote the public safety of homes and gas lines. Gas leaks can result in explosions that result in catastrophic personal property damage to homes and businesses and in the unnecessary deaths of both homeowners and gas line personnel.

To avert tragedy, Task 86 / 87 requires mandatory safety inspections of gas meters and piping. Businesses receive inspections every year. The law requires that homes receive inspections once every three years. The New York State Public Service Commission requires that all gas customers comply with scheduled safety inspections; however, you can request that inspectors conduct the work at a time convenient for you.

Qualified Operator Standards

In addition to mandatory safety inspections required under Task 86 / 87, New York also maintains mandatory operator qualification standards for all persons working in gas inspection and pipeline work. For example, the law only permits the following persons to maintain gas pipes:

Licensed master plumbers (LMPs) and those journeymen/apprentices are assisting LMPs who also are qualified gas operators and who work under the LMPs’ licenses. Journeymen must apply to become qualified operators.

To become a qualified gas operator, LMPs and their employees must complete a 7-hour course. They must also complete both a written and practical examination. Mandatory drug testing is part of the qualification process.

The law requires all LMPs to verify their qualified operator status before carrying out inspections under the law.

What does Task 86 / 87 cover?

When it comes to gas piping maintenance and repair, Task 86 / 87 covers the following jobs:

gas pipes installation

interior pipe systems flush

creating piping connections for interior pipe systems

constructing meter heads

constructing meter bars and

constructing pressure regulator vents

Expanding the inspection jurisdiction

Piping and meters can fail due to corrosion or other natural deterioration. The Task 86 / 87 inspectors look for gas leaks on all jurisdiction piping using a calibrated tool and visually inspect for atmospheric corrosion. The new rules relating to the inspection process apply to meters that are inside the building as well as outside. All inspections must comply with state and federal regulations.

Task 86 / 87 inspections are carried out at no cost to customers.

What does Task 86 / 87 require you to do?

The Task 86 / 87 law requires the following:

You must give access to your home so inspectors can carry out Task 86 / 87 inspections on meters, piping, fittings, wires, and works.

Ask for proper identification from the inspectors, including requiring them to show their badge and their written authorization to inspect your home.

You may request an inspection time that is more convenient for you.

You must not interfere with a Task 86 / 87 inspection. If you hinder an inspection, you may be fined $100 for each offense.

To read more about the effects of the new law on you, read the August 3, 2018 article from LOCALSyr.com, “Is the natural gas inspection notice left on my door a scam?” To talk more about Task 86 / 87, gas line and meter inspections, or anything else, please contact Aladdin Plumbing Corp. All of our plumbers are licensed and stand ready to help you comply with the new laws. Make us your resource for all your questions about Task 86 / 87 and plumbing issues generally.